Collaborative Partnerships Research Articles

Teacher candidates as student partners in decoding the disciplines research

This study examines the role of secondary teacher candidates as student partners in research into undergraduate students’ historical cognition while contextualizing documents. It highlights the unique role of teacher candidates as near-peer interviewers and change agents within higher education and secondary curricula. Through using decoding the disciplines methodology to solicit student voice in near-peer interviews, teacher candidates identified areas for curricular change in teaching contextualization in university history courses. The involvement of teacher candidates extended beyond the university classroom and informed their future work in secondary education. Decoding experiences in university courses provided teacher candidates with insights into supporting secondary pupils’ abilities to contextualize historical sources. This research demonstrates the potential of teacher candidates as near-peer interviewers and curricular change agents in secondary and higher education. Collaborative partnerships between teacher candidates and faculty can lead to meaningful curricular changes and effective teaching practices in higher education and secondary education contexts.

Collaborative authoring using wiki

This case study describes a collaborative online authoring project in which undergraduate students co-produce open educational resources as a learning and assessment exercise. Over 1,500 chapters and videos about how psychological science can improve people’s motivational and emotional lives have been co-created. Wikiversity provides a simple and powerful open editing and hosting platform. The project’s key pedagogical principles include students as partners, open education, guided experiential learning, and self-determined learning. Other key ingredients include scaffolding, skill development, and formative feedback. Potential issues are framed as educational opportunities, including privacy and anonymity, intellectual property and copyright, and individual versus collective work. Collaborative online authoring projects offer real-world benefits over disposable essays in higher education. The principles and methods are adaptable to a wide variety of disciplines and educational contexts, offering a scalable approach to collaborative student-staff partnerships.

Productivity of the Korean Biopharmaceutical Industry: Exploring the Effect of Business Model and Open Innovation

The biopharmaceutical industry in Korea is considered a key strategic industry following the semiconductor industry. However, success in the biopharmaceutical industry depends on the outcome of research and development processes that require long periods and substantial investment, resulting in a success rate of only around 2.5%–4% for new drug development. Consequently, rational strategic choices, such as determining key capabilities to pursue business, deciding where to position within the value chain and identifying collaboration partners and strategies, are more crucial in the biopharmaceutical industry compared to other industries. In this study, we divided Korean biopharmaceutical companies into research and development groups and Integrated groups, which perform both research and production, and compared their productivity using the meta-frontier methodology to verify the significance of technology gap ratio (TGR) values between groups. We also investigated the influence of open innovation activities, including the type, partners and timing, on the TGR of each group with Tobit analysis. The investigation revealed that productivity and its influencing elements varied depending on the business model. This finding suggests that this information can be utilised to develop efficient industrial policies.

Circular Economy Principles and Their Integration into Global Supply Chain Strategies

The concept of circular economy has gained significant traction in recent years as a holistic approach to sustainable development and resource management. This review explores the principles of circular economy and their integration into global supply chain strategies. The transition from a linear 'take-make-dispose' model to a circular model focused on resource recovery, reuse, and regeneration is driving a paradigm shift in how businesses operate and manage their supply chains. Key principles of circular economy, including designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems, are examined in the context of supply chain management. Strategies for implementing circular economy principles across various stages of the supply chain, from product design and manufacturing to distribution, consumption, and end-of-life management, are discussed. The review highlights the benefits of adopting circular economy principles in supply chain strategies, including reduced resource consumption, waste reduction, cost savings, and enhanced resilience to external shocks. Case studies and examples from diverse industries illustrate successful implementation of circular economy principles in supply chain management, demonstrating tangible environmental, social, and economic benefits. Challenges and barriers to the adoption of circular economy principles in global supply chains are also addressed, including regulatory hurdles, technological limitations, and cultural barriers. Strategies for overcoming these challenges and promoting a circular mindset among stakeholders are explored, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and cross-sector partnerships. The integration of circular economy principles into global supply chain strategies offers significant opportunities for sustainable growth, resilience, and value creation. By embracing the principles of circularity, businesses can unlock new sources of competitive advantage while contributing to the transition towards a more sustainable and regenerative economy. Keywords: Circular Economy, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Integration, Challenges, Opportunities.

Cyber Threat Intelligence: A Comprehensive Overview and Practical Implementation

Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) has emerged as a critical component in modern cybersecurity strategies. CTI encompasses the proactive gathering, analysis, and dissemination of information about potential cyber threats, including threat actors, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), vulnerabilities, and indicators of compromise (IOCs). By harnessing a combination of technology, human expertise, and collaborative partnerships, CTI enables organizations to enhance their ability to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber attacks effectively. This paper provides a comprehensive examination of CTI, including its definition, importance, lifecycle, sources, and practical implementation strategies. By exploring various CTI frameworks, methodologies, and tools, organizations can effectively leverage threat intelligence to enhance their security posture and proactively defend against cyber threats

National Overview of Nonprofit Hospitals' Community Benefit Programs to Address Housing.

Housing is a critical social determinant of health that can be addressed through hospital-supported community benefit programming. To explore the prevalence of hospital-based programs that address housing-related needs, categorize the specific actions taken to address housing, and determine organizational and community-level factors associated with investing in housing. This retrospective, cross-sectional study examined a nationally representative dataset of administrative documents from nonprofit hospitals that addressed social determinants of health in their federally mandated community benefit implementation plans. We conducted descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses to examine hospital and community characteristics associated with whether a hospital invested in housing programs. Using an inductive approach, we categorized housing investments into distinct categories. The main outcome measure was a dichotomous variable representing whether a hospital invested in one or more housing programs in their community. Twenty percent of hospitals invested in one or more housing programs. Hospitals that addressed housing in their implementation strategies were larger on average, less likely to be in rural communities, and more likely to be serving populations with greater housing needs. Housing programs fell into 1 of 7 categories: community partner collaboration (34%), social determinants of health screening (9%), medical respite centers (4%), community social determinants of health liaison (11%), addressing specific needs of homeless populations (16%), financial assistance (21%), and targeting high-risk populations (5%). Currently, a small subset of hospitals nationally are addressing housing. Hospitals may need additional policy support, external partnerships, and technical assistance to address housing in their communities.

Repurposing Industrial By-Products for Environmental Beneficial Applications : An Approach for Renewable Energy Production

Environmental pollution stemming from fossil fuel usage and industrial waste production poses significant challenges to global sustainability efforts. This research paper introduces a pioneering platform designed to facilitate collaboration between two key stakeholders: polluters generating waste and innovators seeking sustainable solutions. The platform aims to streamline the process of repurposing industrial by-products for environmentally beneficial applications, particularly in the realm of waste treatment and renewable energy production. Beginning with an overview of the pressing environmental issues caused by traditional energy production and waste generation processes, this paper underscores the urgent need for innovative approaches to mitigate pollution and promote sustainability. Through a comprehensive review of relevant literature, the research identifies opportunities to bridge the gap between polluters and innovators, laying the groundwork for the development of the sustainable resource management platform. Methodologically, the paper outlines the conceptualization and implementation of the platform, detailing its key features and functionalities. Central to its operation is the integration of user-friendly interfaces and robust data analytics capabilities, enabling efficient matchmaking between waste producers and potential users of by-products. Results from the platform's pilot implementation demonstrate its efficacy in fostering collaborative partnerships and promoting resource circularity. By connecting polluters with innovators capable of transforming waste into valuable resources such as biofuels and renewable energy, the platform facilitates a paradigm shift towards sustainable resource management practices. Discussion of the results addresses the broader implications of the platform for environmental conservation and sustainable development. Emphasizing its potential to drive positive environmental outcomes while fostering economic opportunities, the paper concludes by highlighting avenues for further research and expansion of the platform's functionalities. In summary, this research paper presents a novel approach to addressing environmental pollution and promoting resource efficiency through collaborative innovation, underscoring the importance of collective action in building a more sustainable future. Key Words: Enviroment pollution mitigation, climate safety, climate alert.

A guide to successful management of collaborative partnerships in quantitative research: An illustration of the science of team science.

Data-intensive research continues to expand with the goal of improving healthcare delivery, clinical decision-making, and patient outcomes. Quantitative scientists, such as biostatisticians, epidemiologists, and informaticists, are tasked with turning data into health knowledge. In academic health centres, quantitative scientists are critical to the missions of biomedical discovery and improvement of health. Many academic health centres have developed centralized Quantitative Science Units which foster dual goals of professional development of quantitative scientists and producing high quality, reproducible domain research. Such units then develop teams of quantitative scientists who can collaborate with researchers. However, existing literature does not provide guidance on how such teams are formed or how to manage and sustain them. Leaders of Quantitative Science Units across six institutions formed a working group to examine common practices and tools that can serve as best practices for Quantitative Science Units that wish to achieve these dual goals through building long-term partnerships with researchers. The results of this working group are presented to provide tools and guidance for Quantitative Science Units challenged with developing, managing, and evaluating Quantitative Science Teams. This guidance aims to help Quantitative Science Units effectively participate in and enhance the research that is conducted throughout the academic health centre-shaping their resources to fit evolving research needs.

Building a hybrid and networked university through long-term lifelong learning agreements with the surrounding society

The current study focused on lifelong learning as a tool for higher education institutions to build relationships with surrounding society. As a theoretical point of departure, the study built on empowerment and human capital discourses of lifelong learning and the ivory tower, the factory, and the network as modes of higher education institutions' collaboration with the surrounding society. The study focused on a lifelong learning initiative to move a higher education institution towards a hybrid and networked mode. Particularly, the initiative focused on building long-term relationships with organisations in the surrounding society. Therefore, this paper aims to report results, in terms of a preliminary conceptual framework, from a higher education lifelong learning initiative. It answers the following research question: How can higher education institutions build hybrid and networked long-term relationships with the surrounding society through lifelong learning initiatives? The study was based on a design-based research method and described and analysed the conceptual development of a Swedish collaborative lifelong learning initiative between a higher education institution and an organisation. Data included in the analysis is taken from documents and field notes, including a long-term agreement, conceptual documents, and plans. The studied initiative included three phases. The first phase, preparatory work, embraced a course for the top management team of the organisation to strengthen their ability to plan, lead and organise professional and organisational development, followed by identifying the needs of the organisation. The second phase, implementation, included dialogue and analysis of the identified needs and development and implementation of suitable courses matching prioritised needs. The third phase, follow-up, included an evaluation of the different parts of the initiative, possible impacts, and a discussion of further needs of collaboration for both professional and organisational development. The conceptual development work included the design of a hybrid and networked framework based on the idea of collaboration partners subscribing to higher education courses under a long-term agreement called POD (collaboration for Professional and Organisational Development). Among others, these PODs include regular dialogues on the needs of the organisations and courses built on networked learning principles. Bring-your-own-data is a core principle to ensure a strong link between theory and practice. The early stage of the initiative included promising results, going in the direction of becoming a hybrid and networked higher education institution by signing its first POD.

Social Capital and Community Development

Purpose: This study sought to investigate the concept of social capital and its role in promoting community development and resilience, with a focus on practical interventions and policy implications. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to social capital and community development. In this study on social capital and community development, while all authors contribute to the overarching theme, one author stands out for discussing a slightly different topic. Specifically, the author who emphasizes the economic advantages of robust social capital within a community diverges somewhat from the others. While the study as a whole examines various aspects of community development, including economic prosperity, social cohesion, and resilience, this particular author delves deeper into the specific mechanisms through which social capital enhances economic opportunities, such as access to resources, markets, and employment. Therefore, this author's focus on the economic dimension of social capital provides a unique perspective within the broader context of community development discussed by the other authors. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Capital theory, Community Empowerment theory and Structural Functionalism theory may be used to anchor future studies on the concept of social capital and its role in promoting community development and resilience. The study made several recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy in the field. It suggested further exploration of the mechanisms linking social capital to community development outcomes, integration of social capital considerations into policy frameworks, and implementation of community-based interventions. Additionally, the study emphasized the importance of capacity-building efforts, collaborative partnerships among stakeholders, and robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. By investing in these recommendations, stakeholders aimed to foster resilient, inclusive, and thriving communities, leveraging social capital as a catalyst for positive social change.

Researching COVID to enhance recovery (RECOVER) pediatric study protocol: Rationale, objectives and design.

The prevalence, pathophysiology, and long-term outcomes of COVID-19 (post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 [PASC] or "Long COVID") in children and young adults remain unknown. Studies must address the urgent need to define PASC, its mechanisms, and potential treatment targets in children and young adults. We describe the protocol for the Pediatric Observational Cohort Study of the NIH's REsearching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) Initiative. RECOVER-Pediatrics is an observational meta-cohort study of caregiver-child pairs (birth through 17 years) and young adults (18 through 25 years), recruited from more than 100 sites across the US. This report focuses on two of four cohorts that comprise RECOVER-Pediatrics: 1) a de novo RECOVER prospective cohort of children and young adults with and without previous or current infection; and 2) an extant cohort derived from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study (n = 10,000). The de novo cohort incorporates three tiers of data collection: 1) remote baseline assessments (Tier 1, n = 6000); 2) longitudinal follow-up for up to 4 years (Tier 2, n = 6000); and 3) a subset of participants, primarily the most severely affected by PASC, who will undergo deep phenotyping to explore PASC pathophysiology (Tier 3, n = 600). Youth enrolled in the ABCD study participate in Tier 1. The pediatric protocol was developed as a collaborative partnership of investigators, patients, researchers, clinicians, community partners, and federal partners, intentionally promoting inclusivity and diversity. The protocol is adaptive to facilitate responses to emerging science. RECOVER-Pediatrics seeks to characterize the clinical course, underlying mechanisms, and long-term effects of PASC from birth through 25 years old. RECOVER-Pediatrics is designed to elucidate the epidemiology, four-year clinical course, and sociodemographic correlates of pediatric PASC. The data and biosamples will allow examination of mechanistic hypotheses and biomarkers, thus providing insights into potential therapeutic interventions. Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT05172011.

Preface: 6th International Conference on Art, Design and Cultural Studies (ADCS 2024)

6th International Conference on Art, Design and Cultural Studies (ADCS 2024) was held during April 13-14, 2024 in Wuhan City, China, and this conference was a great success. The conference provides a useful and wide platform both for display the latest research and for exchange of research results and thoughts in Art, Design and Cultural Studies. The success and prosperity of the conference is reflected high level of the papers received. The aim of ADCS 2024 is to provide a platform for educators, sociologists, designers, writers, historians and graduate students from different cultural backgrounds to present and discuss research, developments and innovations in all fields of Art, Design and Cultural Studies. It provides opportunities for the delegates to exchange new ideas and application experiences, to establish business or research relations and to find global partners for future collaboration. We would like to acknowledge all of those who supported 6th ADCS. Each individual in addition, institutional help was very important for the success of this conference. Especially we would like to thank the organizing committee for their valuable advices in the organization and helpful peer review of the papers. It was a fully synchronized online conference that had live Q&A, participants jointly listened to presentations, and attended other live events associated with the conference. Each speech lasted for 30 minutes, including 5 minutes for Q&A. and for other sessions, there was 20 minutes for each presentation, including 5 minutes for Q&A. The interaction session was made the real experience to the participants and they had good exposure with the foreign university students and delegates. We would like to thank all the author submitted papers to the conferences and thank you all the reviewers for their time and effort in reviewing articles. Finally, it is a great honor to thank you all of behind staff who made their constant effort to make sure the conference process can go smoothly and the proceeding team who have dedicated their constant support and countless time to bring these scratches into this volume. Shanhong Zhu, Jiayu Liang Conference Committees

Social Media Mobilization and Advocacy: A Case Study

This case study investigates the role of social media mobilization and advocacy in the quest for justice for Mohbad, an influential Nigerian whose death sparked rumours of foul play involving friends and relatives. Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, data was collected through surveys administered to students of Taraba State University, Jalingo, and content analysis of qualitative data. Findings reveal positive perceptions towards social media mobilization, emphasizing the influence of social media influencers and hashtag activism. Challenges such as misinformation and algorithmic biases were identified, highlighting the need for ethical guidelines and responsible engagement in online advocacy. Recommendations include enhancing digital literacy, fostering collaborative partnerships, promoting responsible hashtag activism, and establishing ethical guidelines for digital advocacy.

The potential for local environmental governance: A case study of Natural Cambridgeshire

There are demands on land to provide a variety of ecosystem services alongside agricultural products. In the absence of markets, delivery is generally overseen through separate agencies. However, synergies and trade-offs amongst ecosystem services and variation across space lead to different priorities and opportunities in different areas. This creates a complex challenge for governance and implies a need to devolve decision-making.The objective of this paper is to explore the devolution of decision-making through the introduction of Local Environmental Governance Organisations (LEGO). A LEGO would assemble evidence on natural capital and co-ordinate stakeholders to identify local priorities. It would search for synergies and collaborative partnerships and raise funds to support priority actions.The paper first sets out a theoretical framework to identify the elements required for local governance. It then proposes two alternatives: a ‘national park’ approach for areas of higher environmental quality and a ‘local nature partnership’ approach elsewhere. The paper then provides a case study of Natural Cambridgeshire, a local nature partnership in England, as a potential LEGO, assessing the extent to which it meets the requirements identified. It has already done much to develop a stakeholder community and has begun to establish priorities for nature enhancement. However, it lacks programmes and long term funding that can incentivise the necessary actions or a forum that can bring together partners for Nature-based Solutions at scale.Central government would need to establish a framework for the operation of a system of LEGOs. It would also continue to support national standards.

Advancing financial transparency and ethical governance: innovative cost management and accountability in higher education and industry

Advancing financial transparency and ethical governance in higher education and industry is imperative for fostering trust, accountability, and sustainability. This review explores innovative cost management strategies and accountability measures to achieve these goals. In both higher education and industry, financial transparency ensures stakeholders have access to accurate, timely, and comprehensible financial information. This transparency is crucial for building trust among investors, donors, regulators, and the public. Moreover, it facilitates informed decision-making and enhances organizational efficiency. One innovative approach to advancing financial transparency is the adoption of cloud-based financial management systems. These systems offer real-time data accessibility, automated reporting, and customizable dashboards, enabling institutions to track expenditures, revenue streams, and budget variances more effectively. Additionally, blockchain technology holds promise in ensuring the integrity and immutability of financial records, reducing the risk of fraud and corruption. Ethical governance goes hand in hand with financial transparency, emphasizing integrity, honesty, and accountability in organizational practices. Robust governance frameworks establish clear lines of responsibility, codes of conduct, and mechanisms for oversight. In higher education, this involves empowering governing boards with diverse expertise and ensuring academic and financial decisions align with institutional missions. To enhance ethical governance, institutions can implement whistleblower protection programs and conduct regular ethics training for employees. These initiatives promote a culture of transparency and integrity, encouraging individuals to report unethical behavior without fear of retaliation. Cost management plays a pivotal role in financial sustainability and ethical governance. Traditional cost-cutting measures often focus on reducing expenses without considering long-term implications. Innovative cost management, however, emphasizes efficiency, value creation, and sustainability. Activity-based costing is one such approach that allocates costs based on the activities that drive them, providing a more accurate understanding of resource consumption. This enables institutions to make informed decisions about resource allocation and pricing strategies. Furthermore, strategic sourcing and vendor management help optimize procurement processes, negotiate favorable contracts, and mitigate risks associated with third-party relationships. Collaborative partnerships with industry stakeholders can also facilitate knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and cost-saving opportunities. Accountability mechanisms are essential for ensuring that financial resources are used responsibly and in alignment with organizational objectives. Performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) provide benchmarks for evaluating financial and operational performance. These metrics should be transparent, relevant, and aligned with strategic goals. Advancing financial transparency and ethical governance requires a multifaceted approach encompassing technological innovation, robust governance frameworks, strategic cost management, and accountability measures. By embracing these principles, both higher education institutions and industries can build trust, enhance efficiency, and achieve long-term sustainability. Keywords: Financial Transparency, Ethical Governance, Cost Management, Accountability, Higher Education, Industry

Implications of technological advancement of surgery in low and middle-income countries' a narrative review.

Countries that are striving to keep pace with emerging technologies in surgical practices and still not able to cope with exemplary international standards are in dire need of resources to build and strengthen their healthcare system. This review focusses on the impeding factors that hinder in adaptation of advanced technology and machinery in the health care industry. Considering the immense potential for current surgical technologies to transform the delivery of healthcare, their implementation in LMICs confronts considerable challenges due to lack of infrastructure, human capital and inadequate resources. To address these difficulties, various entities, including healthcare institutions, government and non-governmental organisations, and foreign partners, must work together. Building capacity through intended education and training initiatives, building infrastructure, and collaborative partnerships are critical for overcoming hurdles to effective deployment of surgical technology in low-income communities of the world.

The recent Sino-Danish film co-productions: soft power and transnational talent development

ABSTRACT In May 2017, Denmark and China signed a film co-production agreement, marking Denmark as the first and only Nordic country to establish such a treaty with China. Taking two recent China-Denmark film co-productions as examples, Bille August’s The Chinese Widow (2017) and Lin Jianjie’s Brief History of a Family (2024), this paper investigates why China chose to sign a film agreement with Denmark and vice versa. It also examines the cultural and film policies that catalysed the emergence and development of this new co-production partnership. This paper aims to address two emergent trends in transnational screen studies: conceptual engagement with soft power and transnational talent development. It discusses how cinema serves as an instrument for states, institutions, and corporations to mediate diplomatic and political goals, generate soft power, and engage in nation branding. This paper argues that the transformation in geopolitical relationships between these two countries and their respective film and cultural policies over the past decade has led to this new collaborative partnership. Furthermore, it suggests that the latest European cultural policies supporting Sino-European co-production and transnational talent development have facilitated Sino-Danish film co-production.

Kalgal Burnbona: An Integrated Model of Care Between the Health and Education Sector.

Kalgal Burnbona is a framework developed for applying school-based integrated care (SBIC) across Sydney Local Health District (SLHD). Kalgal Burnbona is an innovative and integrative framework developed to provide holistic, integrated, multidisciplinary child and family centred care to school-aged children from priority populations within SLHD, such as those belonging to the Aboriginal community. The expected outcomes include improved health, behavioural, education and social outcomes. This article contextualises the development of the Kalgal Burnbona framework from its beginnings as a pilot site called Ngaramadhi Space (NS) within the Healthy Homes and Neighbourhoods (HHAN) initiative, through to its evolution to an integrated partnership between the New South Wales (NSW) health and education sector. An example of how the framework can be implemented in other settings within SLHD is described. A tiered approach to integrated care across SLHD is postulated based on evidence from a mixed methods evaluation of NS and in line with the Rainbow Model of Integrated Care (RMIC). Kalgal Burnbona is an example of a community-driven response through collaborative partnerships to improve health, education and social outcomes. The framework described provides structure for multisector teams to work within, recognising that each community and school has its own history and needs. The Kalgal Burnbona model can be scaled up to serve a wider network of students across SLHD. The initial successes of the model, which include improving access and engagement for children with unmet physical health, mental health and social needs while being accepted by communities provide evidence for policy changes and advocacy that centre on collaborative cross-sector partnerships.

Vocational teachers’ perceptions on workplace learning in facilitating students’ professional engagement in the context of industry-university collaboration in China

PurposeThis study aims to explore vocational teachers' perceptions regarding workplace learning that align with students' training models and collaborative teaching involving specialised professionals within the context of industry-university collaboration.Design/methodology/approachUsing a qualitative approach, the study conducted nine semi-structured interviews from three subject areas to better understand how vocational teachers’ work-based learning enhances their pedagogical practice in guiding students’ professional training. Thematic analysis was adopted to identify patterns that emerged from concepts and theories related to coding categories.FindingsThe authors identified three key components: vocational teachers’ workplace learning in connection with students’ training models, collaborative teaching with specialised professionals and teachers’ regular interactions with enterprises. The findings demonstrate that vocational teachers’ engagement in workplace learning pertaining to specific subjects provides a valuable avenue for enhancing curriculum design with collaboration with industry experts. This is key for supporting vocational students’ transitions into the workplace and ensuring their knowledge and skills are tailored to the industry-standard practice.Research limitations/implicationsThe data are limited to the review of interviews from three vocational subject areas as the representative sector in the study. However, this research implies effective knowledge transfer between workplace settings and vocational institutions, and vocational teachers need to integrate work-based vocational knowledge and skills in a relevant and applicable way across diverse classroom settings.Practical implicationsFostering collaborative partnerships with local industries and professionals can be a primary way to facilitate authentic learning experiences that are linked to a specific vocational field and bridge the gap between diverse classroom learning and real-world work scenarios.Originality/valueThis study combines contemporary workplace learning theories with the conceptual understanding of vocational teachers’ involvement with industry-specific practice. Connecting teachers’ knowledge to the industry extends the input and collaboration from professionals and field experts to the diverse vocational classrooms.

Healthcare social network research and the ECHO model™: Exploring a community of practice to support cultural brokers and transfer cultural knowledge

BackgroundProject ECHO® networks at Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service (CHQHHS) are communities of practice designed to mitigate services and systems fragmentation by building collaborative partnerships addressing priority child and youth health needs. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience the negative impacts of fragmentation in addition to historical challenges of absent or culturally inappropriate health services. Access to culturally safe and responsive services can be improved by engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and similar roles in an online community of practice, supporting the integration of cultural and clinical knowledge and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers in decisions affecting their health.Analysing professional support networks and knowledge sharing patterns helps identify enablers and barriers to partnerships. Using social network research, the multilevel network inclusive of ECHO network members and their colleagues was studied to identify interdisciplinary and cross-sector advice exchange patterns, explore the position of cultural brokers and identify common relational tendencies.MethodsSocial network theories and methods informed the collection of network data and analysis of advice-seeking relationships among ECHO network members and their nominees. Registered members from two ECHO networks were invited to complete the Qualtrics survey. Networks analysed comprised 398 professionals from mainstream health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisation, education, disability and child safety service settings.ResultsBrokers were well represented, both those who hold knowledge brokerage positions as well as cultural brokers who incorporate clinical and cultural knowledge enabling holistic care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients (38 individuals, 17% of network). Professionals who occupy brokerage positions outside the ECHO network tend to be more connected with co-members within the network.ConclusionsThis study is the first application of contemporary social network theories and methods to investigate an ECHO network. The findings highlight the connectivity afforded by brokers, enabling the coordination and collaboration necessary for effective care integration. Inclusion of cultural brokers in an ECHO network provides sustained peer group support while also cultivating relationships that facilitate the integration of cultural and clinical knowledge.